Gov. Gregoire announces members of Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project oversight committee

For Immediate Release: March 17, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the formation of an oversight committee to review the projects to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, including the proposed bored tunnel project. This committee will be a single point of accountability for cost, schedule, and scope issues related to the projects agreed to by the State of Washington, City of Seattle, and King County in January 2009.

�Replacing the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct will maintain public safety and improve a transportation corridor that is critical to the economy of Seattle and the entire state,� Gregoire said. �This oversight committee will proactively work together to address the scope, schedule, and cost issues to ensure taxpayer dollars are invested wisely.�

The members of the committee will include Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, Rep. Judy Clibborn, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, Port of Seattle Commissioner Bill Bryant, and Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani.

The proposed bored tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct has been approved by the Washington State Legislature, Seattle City Council, and Port of Seattle Commission.

The committee will receive quarterly updates from state, county, and city departments of transportation, as well as Port of Seattle staff, on delivery of the projects, including major milestones, contracting approach, risk management, and expenditures. Information provided to the committee will also be made available to the public to ensure public accountability and transparency. The first meeting is expected to be held in mid-April.

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